The Canary Islands are known for being a haven for sun worshippers, and with an abundance of glorious beaches, fantastic nightlife and cheap flights always available, Lanzarote is one of the top destinations for tourists. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to relax or somewhere to party the night away, make the most of everything this small island has to offer and check out our guide to Lanzarote’s great tourist resorts.
Puerto Del Carmen
Situated on the East Coast of the island, Puerto del Carmen is Lanzarote’s main and busiest resort, with daytime attractions and nightlife to suit visitors of all ages. Bask in the sunshine on the resort’s main beach of Playa Grande – the largest on the island – and explore the many restaurants, shops and bars in the area, or head to Centro Atlantico if you’re a night owl. You’ll find many bars, discos and live music venues to keep you entertained all night long.
For those looking to sample some delicious Canarian dishes, the picturesque fishing port at Puerto del Carmen offers a wide range of restaurants. As well as traditional fare there are also restaurants serving up pasta and pizza dishes as well as English breakfasts. A must for anyone who enjoys fine food and beautiful surroundings!
Los Pocillos and Matagorda
Situated around three kilometres from Puerto del Carmen, Los Pocillos is a great alternative for anyone who prefers to take life at a slower pace. Combining a large and pretty beach with plenty of fantastic facilities including restaurants, bars and shops, Los Pocillos is a quiet and peaceful resort.
Connected to Los Picollos via a promenade, Matagorda is also a great choice offering high standards of modern accommodation and plenty of bars, shops and restaurants.
Ideal for those in need of a more relaxing break, both of these resorts are just five minutes away from the livelier resort of Puerto del Carmen.
Playa Blanca
Lanzarote’s second most popular resort of Playa Blanca is home to some of the island’s best beaches. Making it a go to spot for those who just want to lounge on a beach all day, Cheapflights should be their first point of call though if they’re looking for budget flights. But it’s not all about rest and relaxation here! As well as miles of sandy beaches, the resort has plenty to offer in the forms of shops, restaurants and historic attractions and though it’s not quite as lively as Puerto del Carmen, the nightlife here is great too.
Arrecife
Arrecife has come a long way since it first appeared on maps as a 15th century fishing harbour, and these days it’s the capital of Lanzarote. A bustling and friendly city, its name literally translates as ‘reef’ and was inspired by the abundance of reefs and islets dotted along the coastline.
There are plenty of great facilities on offer in Arrecife and you’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities and cafes on its main street, Castillo y Leon (also known as Calle Real). The city’s most famous hotel is the Grand Hotel – the island’s tallest building which dominates the skyline.. considered an eyesore for many years, it’s now been renovated and is home to a top-floor restaurant offering spectacular views of the city.
Some of the city’s most interesting attractions include the Castles of San Jose, the Archaeological Museum, the Iglesia de San Gines and El Charco de San Gines – a salt-water lagoon in the city centre.